2. Writing The Epic

Though Akbar was illiterate, he understood the importance of education and the need to appreciate art. He had great interest in history and often heard episodes from various parts of history from his learned courtiers.

Over a period of time, Akbar became interested in getting an epic written in his name, so that he became eternal. So one fine day he called Birbal and said, 'I am keen in getting an epic written in my name. It would be a matter of great honor for me and my coming generation, if an epic is written in my name. Birbal, I trust your capability in writing such book in my name. It is also because you know me very closely. Therefore write an epic in my name, The Great Akbari Epic'.

Birbal humbly bowed before Akbar and said, 'My Majesty! Long live the king. You idea is incredible. The future generations will be honored to receive an epic in your name. In fact, it is an easy job as I know you very closely. I am honored that you trusted my capabilities for such a worthy and responsible job. I shall work to your satisfaction to create 'The Great Akbari Epic'.

Akbar was pleased at heart to hear Birbal. He asked him, 'So Birbal how much time do you require for this?'

Birbal replied, 'My Majesty, I need time and money for this work'.

Akbar replied promptly, 'Take as much money as you require from the treasurer. Put you best and take as much time as you want for this'.

Birbal smiled and said, 'Thank you, My Majesty. I shall soon start writing the epic'.

Birbal worked according to his plan. He took grant from the royal treasury. He donated this money in various religious institutes, temples and orphanages. After few day, Birbal went to the court of Akbar with a manuscript. The manuscript was nothing but a bundle of scrap papers put together. Birbal  presented the manuscript to Akbar and said, 'My Majesty, here is a draft of epic. The work is incomplete'.

Akbar asked Birbal why he brought him incomplete work. Birbal contended, 'My Majesty, this epic can be completed only if you allow me to ask something from your queen'.

Akbar nodded and granted permission to Birbal.

Birbal went to the queen. He asked her in an apologetic tone, 'O Great Lady! His Majesty asked me to write the Great Akbari Epic so that history glorifies his name. He desired the work to be written on lines of great epic - Mahabharata. As you must be aware that in Mahabharata, Queen Draupadi had five husbands. I know Emperor Akbar is your husband. But I need to name your husbands in the work...'.

Before Birbal could complete his statement, the queen shouted on him. Burst with rage, she warned Birbal of asking her such question, 'Birbal, do not across your limits. What kind of insolence is this?'

Saying this the queen snatched the manuscript from Birbal's hand and flung it into the fire.

Birbal apologized to the queen and returned to Akbar. He narrated the incidence to Akbar and express woe over the loss of manuscript. Akbar realized his mistake and said, 'Birbal, I promise I’ll never be whimsical again and make unrealistic demands from you'.

Birbal smiled mutedly.